Melanie walked in the door, "Hei"(Hi) she said loudly. From the other room she heard, "Hei, ha ma oso gada?" (Hi, how's my girl doing?) her mother asked as she came around the corner. Melanie replied, "Nou foto, nomon"(Not bad, mom) she smiled at her mother. "Hei Octavia." Daria said with a smile at Melanie's mother. "Hei Daria, your parents should be here soon" Octavia replied. Daria nodded in reply. "We will be eating dinner as soon as everyone gets here. Why don't you go upstairs and get changed."
The girls nodded and went up to Melanie's room. Melanie picked up her two dresses and handed one to Daria. Dresses were rarely worn and Melanie was lucky she had two. The girls were the same age and the same size so they shared clothes often. "I'm so excited everyone is coming for dinner tonight, I hardly ever get to see Ethan and Heda anymore." Melanie said. "Yea because having Heda at dinner is a natural occurrence for you." Daria said jokingly. "She's is married to my brother so it's not that weird." Melanie said sticking out her tongue mockingly Daria. They both laughed and finished getting changed.
By the time they had gone back downstairs Melanie's dad Ryloah was home and a few others had arrived. Daria's parents Raven and Miles (Shaw), Niylah, Clarke and Bellamy, and their son Jake who was two years younger than the girls. Jordan and Gaia arrived after a few minutes with their twins William and Hannah who were seven years old. Followed by, John and Emori and their son Otan who was eight years old. Abby and Marcus arrived with Charmaine and Paxton and their daughter Hope who was three years older than Melanie. Last to arrive was Ethan and Madi (Heda) who was deep in discussion Indra. Today was the 15 year anniversary of their arrival to their new home.
Once everyone was there and had headed out to the back area Octavia began the evening, "Monin, thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate the anniversary of our arrival here 15 years ago. Now let's all eat because I know your hungry! Oso don hod op feva, yo na jomp in!" She said and everyone sat down to eat. (Welcome… We have waited forever, you may begin!)
Melanie was seated next to Ethan and Madi, "It's been so long since you have been over for dinner Ethan, when are you coming home for a visit again?" Melanie whined to Ethan. "Mel you know we are busy, Heda has a lot going on right now, as do I with the council." Ethan replied but saw the sad look on her face. "How about I meet you after lessons tomorrow and we can go for a ride."Melanie smiled and hugged her brother, "I would love that!" Madi leaned over listening to their conversation, "A ride, would you mind if I tagged along. It's been ages since I spend quality time with Louwoda!" Melanie smiled, "Of course, I miss spending time with you both!" She turned back to her plate and continued eating.
Ethan turned to Madi, "Are you sure you can go? I thought you had the meeting about the border tomorrow afternoon?"
Madi's smile faltered, "I know Ethan, I will figure it out. I need some time for me too. Mel is right I haven't spent time with her or our families in too long." Ethan quieted his voice, "You're Heda, yu sou laik kongeda-de. If you miss this meeting." (You are the coalition) Ethan paused before continuing in a whisper, "Em mebi na teik oso kongeda au, ste kefa." (It could kill our coalition, be careful.) Madi looked at Ethan's worried face but knew she was strong, "Nou tel ai op ha ai na teik ai hana ogud." (Don't tell me how to do my job.) They both turned back to their meals knowing they would continue talking at home, here was not the time to argue.
After dinner everyone got up and they went to the city center. Here there was a big celebration with everyone in attendance. The party would last all night but to begin Heda would address the people. Ethan stood in front of the people. Many had arrived early and were sitting catching up with friends. "Gyon op gon Heda" (Stand up for the Commander) he motioned for them to rise.
Once everyone was standing Madi moved the the front, "Beja, oso hit choda op nat, kom tona gou fou nau, ona disha presh sintaim. 15 years ago we came here to begin again. Earth was in ruin and our wars are partly to blame. After spending years in space we found a home here. We pledged to do better, to be better. We have made peace with the creatures of this planet and we will do everything in our power to continue our peaceful ways of existence. Erthakru, yu hou kamp roun hir ona brana houd. Mochof!" (Please, we come together tonight as we have countless times before on this holy day… Earthkru, your home is here in this new world, thank you!" The people cheered for their commander then music began everyone began dancing.